Manufacturing Project Engineer

Manufacturing Project Engineer – EV Battery Production Location: Liberty, NC 1499734 Schedule: Monday–Friday | 100% Onsite Overtime: Approximately 25% Travel: Up to 25%, primarily domestic with limited international travel Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Project Engineer to support the installation, commissioning, and launch of advanced EV battery manufacturing equipment at a large-scale automotive manufacturing facility in Liberty, North Carolina. This position focuses on manufacturing equipment implementation, capital project execution, production preparation, and new model launches. The ideal candidate will have hands-on machining experience, strong project management skills, and a background in complex manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and production launches.
• Develop manufacturing process plans for battery production lines, including electrode, module, and powertrain operations.
• Manage capital equipment projects, including schedules, budgets, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate with engineering teams, equipment suppliers, contractors, and manufacturing personnel.
• Lead equipment trials, validation activities, and production readiness assessments.
• Troubleshoot equipment installation issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, equipment layouts, and technical specifications.
• Track project performance, monitor KPIs, and provide progress reports to engineering leadership.
• Support equipment handover, production startup, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturing safety, quality, and cleanroom requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, project execution, or equipment installation.
• Hands-on experience with machining processes and machine operations.
• Experience with electronic assembly or battery-related manufacturing processes.
• Experience with manufacturing equipment installation, commissioning, and production preparation.
• Experience managing capital equipment projects valued at $500,000 or more.
• Strong project scheduling, budgeting, and coordination skills.
• Ability to read and interpret 2D engineering drawings, equipment layouts, and facility drawings.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar 2D/3D drafting software.
• Experience working in large-scale manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to support overtime, weekends, holidays, and scheduled plant shutdowns as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive or EV battery manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of battery electrode, module assembly, or powertrain manufacturing processes.
• Experience with laser welding and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA, or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Mitsubishi PLC programming or troubleshooting experience.
• Familiarity with Kepware or similar industrial automation software.
• Experience with equipment validation, production trials, and new model launches.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

Work Environment This position is fully onsite at a large-scale automotive battery manufacturing facility in Liberty, North Carolina. The engineer will collaborate with manufacturing teams, equipment vendors, and contractors to support equipment installation, commissioning, and production launch activities. The role may require working in cleanroom environments, traveling to supplier facilities, and supporting occasional weekends, holidays, and scheduled plant shutdowns.